Robert Lundquist ("Lundquist") seeks judicial review of a final
decision of Secretary of Health and Human Services Margaret
Heckler ("Secretary") denying Lundquist's claim for
supplemental security income ("SSI") disability benefits.
Lundquist initially applied for benefits under Social Security
Act ("Act") Title XVI, 42 U.S.C. § 1381a. After the February
22, 1984 hearing, Administrative Law Judge Thomas H. Ploss
("ALJ Ploss" or simply the "ALJ") denied Lundquist's
application on June 27, 1984. Lundquist then exhausted his
administrative law remedies (a process that resulted in the
ALJ's decision becoming Secretary's) and brought this action
against Secretary pursuant to Act § 1631(c)(3),
42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3).

As always in these cases, the parties have filed cross-motions
for summary judgment. For the reasons stated in this memorandum
opinion and order, each party's motion is denied. Instead
Lundquist's application is remanded to Secretary for
proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Lundquist was 52 at the time of the hearing. He has an eleventh
grade education (R. 38) and can read and write (R. 39). Most
recently he has held various jobs through the CETA program and
at the post office, but he has not worked since 1978 (R.
282-83).

Lundquist complains chiefly (though not solely) of extreme pain
in his legs and lower back. His medical problems have led him
repeatedly to seek treatment and have resulted in several
periods of hospitalization. Several expert opinions as to the
nature of Lundquist's ailments appear in the record:

3. In March 1981 a CAT scan by a Dr. Melamed revealed a
bulging disc and degenerative disc changes and suggested a
herniated disc (R. 148).

4. Lundquist entered Ravenswood Hospital for two days in June
1982, again complaining of back pain. Dr. Hatfield concluded
Lundquist suffered from refractive back pain, obesity and
hypertension (R. 259). Dr. Hatfield's discharge
recommendations included "disability" (id.).

5. In October 1982 Dr. Hatfield referred Lundquist to Dr.
Lazar, a neurologist. Dr. Lazar concluded Lundquist suffered
from possible severe spinal stenosis or meralgia paresthetica
(R. 261). On November 8, 1982*fn2 Lundquist had a
myelogram (recommended by Dr. Lazar), which revealed
indentations on both sides of the spinal canal. Dr.
Poteshman, who read the x-rays, ...

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